I used to work security at the Delta Center (ESA) and I always hated having to work Jazz/Laker games because of the number of alcohol-related incidents that would occur. Likewise, I have attended several NFL games where fights and despicable acts by drunk fans are almost the rule, not the exception.

While this is in no way acceptable in my view, alcohol consumption has become a huge part of professional and collegiate sports.

I'm curious to know if anyone else thinks that there is a general naivety among some fans in this rivalry of how prevalent alcohol consumption (borderline abuse) is in sports arenas and stadiums around the country every week. Again, this is not to suggest that this behavior is or should be condoned, but I'm kind of amazed at how many people are truly surprised that there are non-LDS Utah "fans" out there that get drunk and act like assholes.

il Padrino Ute

11-25-2008, 08:39 PM

I don't think it's so much naivety as it is that there are many Y fans who want to believe that Ute fans are depraved drunks.

I also think that far too many assholes use the rivalry as a reason to drink excessively and bash the LDS church.

Alcohol has become very prevalent at sporting events. Most people can handle it without being assholes.

What makes me laugh is that people think they can't have any fun without alcohol.

Solon

11-25-2008, 08:42 PM

I'm curious to know if anyone else thinks that there is a general naivety among some fans in this rivalry of how prevalent alcohol consumption (borderline abuse) is in sports arenas and stadiums around the country every week.

I definitely think so. I see about 110,000 intoxicated people at every Penn State home game. There are jerks, to be sure, but I think it's silly to blame it on the alcohol.

Part of the problem (and I'm from Utah so I feel that I can comment here) is that many LDS automatically equate alcohol with sin, and judge/react accordingly. Lots of really nice people get really drunk really often, and they're not "sinners" (IMO).

cougjunkie

11-25-2008, 08:49 PM

I definitely think so. I see about 110,000 intoxicated people at every Penn State home game. There are jerks, to be sure, but I think it's silly to blame it on the alcohol.

Part of the problem (and I'm from Utah so I feel that I can comment here) is that many LDS automatically equate alcohol with sin, and judge/react accordingly. Lots of really nice people get really drunk really often, and they're not "sinners" (IMO).

Penn State is very well known for the actions of their fans. For example:

(Warning language, lots of F-bombs)

jDiRPUiQZHc

Solon

11-25-2008, 09:26 PM

The cops used this clip, among other things, to press charges against some of these clowns.

RockyBalboa

11-25-2008, 09:42 PM

I used to work security at the Delta Center (ESA) and I always hated having to work Jazz/Laker games because of the number of alcohol-related incidents that would occur. Likewise, I have attended several NFL games where fights and despicable acts by drunk fans are almost the rule, not the exception.

While this is in no way acceptable in my view, alcohol consumption has become a huge part of professional and collegiate sports.

I'm curious to know if anyone else thinks that there is a general naivety among some fans in this rivalry of how prevalent alcohol consumption (borderline abuse) is in sports arenas and stadiums around the country every week. Again, this is not to suggest that this behavior is or should be condoned, but I'm kind of amazed at how many people are truly surprised that there are non-LDS Utah "fans" out there that get drunk and act like assholes.

Who's been naive to it?

There's been a drunken Ute fan stereotype stigma attached to your fanbase for quite awhile. I'd say the naivete...wait that's not right word....more like stubborn denial amongst your fanbase that when words of incidents come out that they think either they're made up or else that the victims asked for it is the REAL problem. And then they will mock them and make jokes and laugh about it and say that because we're self righteous we deserve it.

Brian explained it all earlier.

My only surprise to it just how bad it's gotten, and in that regard that the University is doing absolutely nothing about it.

RockyBalboa

11-25-2008, 09:48 PM

Penn State is very well known for the actions of their fans. For example:

(Warning language, lots of F-bombs)

jDiRPUiQZHc

A lot of people will again think I'm making it up when the incident next to the tailgating lot on Saturday was actually eerily similar to that video you just posted.

Non Sequitur

11-26-2008, 11:59 AM

What makes me laugh is that people think they can't have any fun without alcohol.